Dutch Young Adults Ratings of Behavior Change Techniques Applied in Mobile Phone Apps to Promote Physical Activity: A Cross-Sectional Survey

BACKGROUND: Interventions delivered through new device technology, including mobile phone apps, appear to be an effective method to reach young adults. Previous research indicates that self-efficacy and social support for physical activity and self-regulation behavior change techniques (BCT), such as goal setting, feedback, and self-monitoring, are important for promoting physical activity; however, little is known about evaluations by the target population of BCTs applied to physical activity apps and whether these preferences are associated with individual personality characteristics. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore young adults’ opinions regarding BCTs (including self-regulation techniques) applied in mobile phone physical activity apps, and to examine associations between personality characteristics and ratings of BCTs applied in physical activity apps. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional online survey among healthy 18 to 30-year-old adults (N=179). Data on participants’ gender, age, height, weight, current education level, living situation, mobile phone use, personality traits, exercise self-efficacy, exercise self-identity, total physical activity level, and whether participants met Dutch physical activity guidelines were collected. Items for rating BCTs applied in physical activity apps were selected from a hierarchical taxonomy for BCTs, and were clustered into three BCT categories according to factor analysis: “goal setting and goal reviewing,” “feedback and self-monitoring,” and “social support and social comparison.” RESULTS: Most participants were female (n=146), highly educated (n=169), physically active, and had high levels of self-efficacy. In general, we observed high ratings of BCTs aimed to increase “goal setting and goal reviewing” and “feedback and self-monitoring,” but not for BCTs addressing “social support and social comparison.” Only 3 (out of 16 tested) significant associations between personality characteristics and BCTs were observed: “agreeableness” was related to more positive ratings of BCTs addressing “goal setting and goal reviewing” (OR 1.61, 95% CI 1.06-2.41), “neuroticism” was related to BCTs addressing “feedback and self-monitoring” (OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.58-1.00), and “exercise self-efficacy” was related to a high rating of BCTs addressing “feedback and self-monitoring” (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.02-1.11). No associations were observed between personality characteristics (ie, personality, exercise self-efficacy, exercise self-identity) and participants’ ratings of BCTs addressing “social support and social comparison.” CONCLUSIONS: Young Dutch physically active adults rate self-regulation techniques as most positive and techniques addressing social support as less positive among mobile phone apps that aim to promote physical activity. Such ratings of BCTs differ according to personality traits and exercise self-efficacy. Future research should focus on which behavior change techniques in app-based interventions are most effective to increase physical activity

Promoting children's sleep health: Intervention Mapping meets Health in All Policies

Copyright © 2022 Belmon, Van Stralen, Harmsen, Den Hertog, Ruiter, Chinapaw and Busch.Background: To design a comprehensive approach to promote children's sleep health in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, we combined Intervention Mapping (IM) with the Health in All Policies (HiAP) perspective. We aimed to create an approach that fits local infrastructures and policy domains across sectors. Methods: First, a needs assessment was conducted, including a systematic review, two concept mapping studies, and one cross-sectional sleep diary study (IM step 1). Subsequently, semi-structured interviews with stakeholders from policy, practice and science provided information on potential assets from all relevant social policy sectors to take into account in the program design (HiAP and IM step 1). Next, program outcomes and objectives were specified (IM step 2), with specific objectives for policy stakeholders (HiAP). This was followed by the program design (IM step 3), where potential program actions were adapted to local policy sectors and stakeholders (HiAP). Lastly, program production (IM step 4) focused on creating a multi-sector program (HiAP). An advisory panel guided the research team by providing tailored advice during all steps throughout the project. Results: A blueprint was created for program development to promote children's sleep health, including a logic model of the problem, a logic model of change, an overview of the existing organizational structure of local policy and practice assets, and an overview of policy sectors, and related objectives and opportunities for promoting children's sleep health across these policy sectors. Furthermore, the program production resulted in a policy brief for the local government. Conclusions: Combining IM and HiAP proved valuable for designing a blueprint for the development of an integrated multi-sector program to promote children's sleep health. Health promotion professionals focusing on other (health) behaviors can use the blueprint to develop health promotion programs that fit the local public service infrastructures, culture, and incorporate relevant policy sectors outside the public health domain